In Kyiv, law enforcement officers detained a 63-year-old taxi driver who assaulted the Honored Artist of Ukraine, Tonya Matviyenko.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The incident occurred in the city center, in Pechersk, on June 30 around 3:00 PM. According to preliminary information, the singer used a taxi service, but during the ride, a conflict arose between her and the driver.
Taxi Conflict: Details of the Incident
According to the police, Tonya Matviyenko reported the attack to the authorities. The artist stated that the taxi driver behaved rudely from the very beginning of the trip, refusing her request to close the window, arguing that it was hot outside.
The driver’s behavior became increasingly aggressive, disregarding basic norms of politeness and passenger comfort. When the conflict escalated, the singer asked him to stop the car, but the driver ignored her request. Forcing the door open while the car was still moving, she made the taxi driver stop. After Tonya Matviyenko exited the vehicle, the driver also got out and struck her several times.
Law Enforcement Response and Victim’s Position
Officers quickly identified the suspect and detained him. Investigators from the Pechersk District Police Department initiated a criminal proceeding under the article concerning assault and battery. Tonya Matviyenko detailed the incident on her Instagram, emphasizing the issue of ignoring such cases and the lack of accountability for aggressors.
“Then he allowed himself to make inappropriate remarks and refused to cooperate. He said he wouldn’t close the windows because it was hot outside and he was uncomfortable. He ignored basic rules of politeness and concern for passenger comfort. The situation escalated into absolute inadequacy in conversation, and I asked him to stop the car, even before reaching the final destination — he refused. I had to open the door while the car was moving. Only then did he stop. I got out, slamming the door. But it didn’t end there: the driver got out of the car and first hit me in the head, then in the shoulder… This day was humiliating and shocking for me… There are many similar cases. And even more people who say nothing afterward because ‘you can’t prove anything,'” wrote Tonya Matviyenko.
The case is under investigation by law enforcement, and the singer herself urges others not to remain silent about such situations and to fight for their rights.